Mumbai Marathon: Cardiac rehab for heart patients to get them running

Tata Mumbai Marathon is round the corner and people have geared up to give their best. A lot of heart patients have also prepped up for the same. Dr Nilesh Gautam, the medical director for the Marathon this year, lists out some dos and don’ts for the heart patients

Each marathon is a new adventure! For many runners, the desire to run for a marathon is about a personal challenge. You might want to test your limits or prove that you can go the distance. However, finishing a marathon is an enormous accomplishment no matter what your time is.

As runners gear up to hit the streets for the Mumbai Marathon on January 21, know how to keep your spirits high!

“A lot of patients with cardiac problems, post-surgery believe that their life will never be back to normal. Hence, we train them in cardiac rehabs to help them get out of these misconceptions. Only thing they need to know is be under proper supervision,” said Dr Nilesh Gautam, senior interventional cardiologist, head of department of preventive cardiology and rehabilitation, Asian Heart Institute. Additionally, he is also the medical director for the Marathon this year.

Dr Nilesh Gautam

A cardiac rehab involves adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes to address the risk factors for a cardiovascular disease. This includes adopting a healthy lifestyle which involves exercises, education and training for a healthy heart.

“So far the weather seems to be supportive for the marathon. But yes, one thing to be kept in mind is to be constantly hydrated,” added Dr Gautam.

Dr Gautam enumerates some simple points for the same:

Do not try anything new now. It is important that the body be accustomed to whatever you are going to do on that day. If you have it on the D Day directly, there will be an electrolyte imbalance.

Don’t push yourself. If you feel tired, or any pain, ache or any symptom of some illness, which was absent during your practice sessions, seek medical assistance instantly.

Sleep well. Sleep and adequate rest are key elements as a runner, if you want to improve. Getting few early nights in race week will surely protect your immune system.